So, Gretchen Whitmer is hitting her term limit, and honestly, the scramble to replace her is already getting a bit wild. You've probably heard a few names floating around your social feed or on the local news, but the actual list of who is running for Michigan governor in 2026 is starting to look like a high-stakes game of musical chairs.
It’s not just about Democrats and Republicans anymore. We’ve got a Detroit mayor making a massive gamble by ditching his party, a Lieutenant Governor who just pulled a total "pivot" move, and a crowded field of GOP hopefuls trying to figure out who has the most MAGA-cred.
If you’re trying to keep track of the chaos, you’re in the right place. Let's break down the field.
The Democratic heavyweights (and that one big exit)
For a long time, the Democratic primary looked like a two-horse race between Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. But things just took a sharp turn.
On January 12, 2026, Gilchrist officially dropped out of the governor’s race. Instead, he’s running for Secretary of State. It was a shocker to some, but if you look at the fundraising numbers, it kinda makes sense. Benson had a massive lead in the war chest department—we’re talking nearly $3 million compared to Gilchrist’s $378,000.
Jocelyn Benson is now the clear frontrunner for the Dems. She’s built a huge national profile as the "defender of democracy" after the 2020 and 2024 elections. Her platform is basically "don't fix what isn't broken," leaning heavily on the Whitmer legacy while promising to cut bureaucracy and protect voting rights.
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But she isn’t alone. You’ve also got:
- Chris Swanson: The Genesee County Sheriff. You might remember him from 2020 when he took off his riot gear to march with protesters in Flint. He’s running on a "Protect, Serve, Unify" message.
- Marni Sawicki: The former mayor of Cape Coral, Florida, who moved back to her home state of Michigan. She’s a bit of a wild card, but she’s emphasizing infrastructure and transparency.
- Kevin Hogan: A candidate focusing on housing, basic human rights, and environmental issues.
The Republican field: A fight for the base
On the GOP side, the race for who is running for Michigan governor is a bit more of a brawl. The party is still trying to find its footing after some tough losses in recent cycles, and the candidates reflect that internal tension.
John James is the name most people recognize immediately. He’s currently representing the 10th Congressional District and has run for Senate a couple of times. He’s a West Point grad and a veteran, which usually plays well in Michigan. He’s widely considered the person to beat in the primary, but he’s going to face plenty of heat from the right.
Then there’s Mike Cox. The former Attorney General is back for another shot. He last ran for governor in 2010 but lost out to Rick Snyder. He’s positioning himself as the experienced conservative who can actually manage the state’s budget.
The rest of the GOP pack is getting crowded:
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- Aric Nesbitt: The Senate Minority Leader. He’s a hardcore Trump supporter and is leaning into the "Make Michigan Great Again" lane.
- Tom Leonard: Former Speaker of the House. He’s got deep ties to the Lansing establishment but is trying to appeal to the grassroots.
- Evan Space: A Traverse City entrepreneur and National Guard vet who previously ran as an independent.
- Anthony Hudson: A truck driver from southwest Michigan who describes himself as a "hardworking conservative."
The Mike Duggan Factor: The Independent Gamble
This is probably the most interesting part of the 2026 race. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running, but he isn’t running as a Democrat.
Wait, what?
Yep. After 11 years as the Democratic mayor of Michigan's biggest city, Duggan announced he's running as an Independent. This is a huge deal. He’s basically betting that voters are tired of the partisan bickering and want someone who "gets things done." He points to his record of leading Detroit out of bankruptcy as proof.
This move complicates things for everyone. If he manages to get on the ballot (he needs to file by July 2026), he could siphon votes from both sides. Democrats are worried he’ll split the blue vote in Detroit, while Republicans are worried he’ll steal moderate suburbanites who are tired of the MAGA rhetoric.
What most people get wrong about this election
People tend to think Michigan is a deep blue state because of Whitmer’s recent wins. It’s not. Trump won the state in 2024, and the legislature is split. This governorship is one of the most vulnerable "blue" seats in the country right now.
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The biggest misconception? That the primary is the only thing that matters.
Actually, the "Independent" factor with Duggan and the potential for a ranked-choice voting ballot initiative in 2026 could fundamentally change how we even count the votes. There’s a lot of "inside baseball" stuff happening in Lansing right now that will determine how these candidates actually reach the finish line.
Key Dates you need to know
If you want to keep up with who is running for Michigan governor, mark these on your calendar. Don't rely on the "vibe"—rely on the deadlines.
- April 21, 2026: This is the deadline for Democratic and Republican candidates to file. After this date, the "maybe" list becomes the "official" list.
- August 4, 2026: The Primary Election. This is where the parties weed out the crowd.
- November 3, 2026: The General Election. The big one.
How to actually vet these candidates
Don't just look at the TV ads. Honestly, they're mostly noise. If you want to know what these people will actually do, you've got to look at two things: fundraising and past votes.
If a candidate is getting all their money from out-of-state PACs, they're going to owe those people later. If a candidate like Aric Nesbitt says he's for the "little guy" but voted against specific tax credits for workers, that's a red flag you need to see.
Check the Michigan Secretary of State’s campaign finance database. It’s public info. You can see exactly who is cutting checks for Jocelyn Benson or John James.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your registration: Even if you voted in 2024, things change. Head to the Michigan Voter Information Center and make sure your address is current.
- Follow the money: Spend ten minutes on the campaign finance portal mentioned above. It’s eye-opening to see which industries are backing which candidates.
- Look beyond the Top 2: Keep an eye on the "minor" candidates like Chris Swanson or Marni Sawicki. In a close primary, they can act as spoilers or force the frontrunners to take stands on issues they’d rather ignore.
- Watch the "Independent" signature drive: If you see people asking for signatures for Mike Duggan later this year, remember that his presence on the ballot completely changes the math for the other two parties.
The 2026 race is just getting started, but the field is already set for a massive collision between Detroit's power players, Lansing's insiders, and the grassroots base.